Frederick knew better than the Saxon generals the fearful,
invincible enemy that was marching to the camp of Pirna. What were
the barricades, the palisades, and ambushes, by which the camp was
surrounded, to this enemy? This foe was in the camp, not outside of
it--he had no need to climb the barricades--he came hither flying
through the air, breathing, like a gloomy bird of death, his
horrible cries of woe. This enemy was hunger--enervating,
discouraging, demoralizing hunger!
The fourteen days had expired, and in the camp of Pirna languished
seventeen thousand men! The bread rations became smaller and
smaller; but the third part of the usual meat ration was given; the
horses' food also was considerably shortened. Sorrow and starvation
reigned in the camp. Why should this distress Count Bruhl? He lived
in his usual luxurious splendor, with the king. Looking out from his
handsome apartments upon the valley lying at his feet, he saw on a
little meadow by which the Elbe was flowing, herds of cows and
calves, sheep and beeves, which were there to die like the Saxon
soldiers, for their king. These herds were for the royal table;
there was, therefore, no danger that the enemy visiting the army
should find its way to the fortress.
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